Afghan resettlement schemes to be improved by Minister

author: FutureCar Staff    

A minister has expressed his determination to improve the resettlement schemes for Afghans in the UK, following criticism from humanitarian groups. Cabinet Office minister Johnny Mercer, who served in Afghanistan during his military career, acknowledged that some individuals who were left behind after the Taliban takeover in August 2021 have not yet been brought to safety in Britain. Speaking on the anniversary of the largest evacuation effort since World War II, Mercer praised the efforts to rescue and resettle people in the aftermath of the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan.

However, Mercer also acknowledged that there have been concerns raised by charities and humanitarian organizations about the effectiveness of the resettlement schemes. He admitted that things could have been done differently. The latest provisional data from the Home Office shows that Afghans have been the most common nationality to arrive in the UK via small boats crossing the English Channel in the first half of this year. Tragically, a boat carrying Afghans got into difficulty off the coast of France, resulting in six deaths and the rescue of at least 58 individuals.

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) have faced criticism for significant delays, lack of transparency, and lack of consistency, according to a report by the organization Justice. The report recommended improvements to the schemes, including quicker processing times, clearer guidelines, and better communication with applicants. The ARAP, launched in April 2021, has received over 141,000 applications, with around 12,200 eligible individuals and their family members brought to safety in the UK. The ACRS, which has three pathways, has seen limited success so far.

Despite the challenges, Mercer is determined to make the resettlement schemes work properly. He acknowledged the difficulties with both schemes but emphasized his focus on those who have already been brought to the UK and ensuring their transition from hotels to communities. Mercer emphasized the government's duty to those still in Afghanistan and expressed his determination to get it right. He admitted that hotels are not a long-term accommodation option and that the situation could have been handled differently.

The Local Government Association has reported that a significant number of Afghan refugees evicted from hotel accommodation have presented themselves as homeless to local councils. Mercer acknowledged that the deadline for people to leave hotels by the end of August was controversial but believes it was done with compassion and has proven its worth. He highlighted the progress made in matching 440 Afghans to homes in the past week.

However, criticism of the ACRS continues, with the International Rescue Committee branding it too slow and criticizing the government's cap on numbers. The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association also expressed concern that the schemes have only resettled a limited number of individuals, leaving many at-risk Afghans without a secure path to the UK. This situation has led to some resorting to dangerous Channel crossings. The government acknowledged that there is still work to be done to bring all eligible individuals under ARAP to safety but stated that it is working to process applications as quickly as possible.

A spokesperson from the Home Office emphasized that the UK has made a significant commitment to supporting Afghanistan and has brought approximately 24,600 individuals to safety, including thousands under the Afghan resettlement schemes. The spokesperson urged Afghans not to risk their lives by taking dangerous and illegal journeys, but rather to seek protection in the first safe country they reach, often in the region or a neighboring country.

FutureCar Staff